Liquid streaming devices for treating wounds, method of making such devices, and method of using such devices for treating wounds

ABSTRACT

A liquid streaming device for treating a wound includes a body having a lower surface for application to skin region around the wound to be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and an upper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skin region; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configured to enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and to define a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid streaming devices for treatingwounds, and also to methods of making such devices. The inventionfurther relates to methods of using such devices for treating wounds.

Various types of wounds require various types of treatments, and anumber of different devices have been developed for use in suchtreatments. These treatments include continuous streaming of a treatingliquid that washes away secretions, exudates, debris and bacteria;drawing fluids from the wounds; and maintaining a moist wound bed. Theyalso include continual autolytic and proteoloytic debridement bystreaming saline or other debridement-augmenting agents, and protectionof the wound from pathogens and contaminants in an aseptic therapeuticcompartment. Exudate management may be effected by streaming ofhyper-osmotic fluids to draw edematous fluids from the wound. Inaddition, low intensity vacuum conditions may be produced, whichconditions are widely reported to remove edematous fluids and tofacilitate formation of granulation tissue.

Examples of such liquid treating devices for treating wounds aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,316,672, 7,276,051, 7,216,651, 7,211,076,7,198,046, 7,144,390, 7,108,683, 6,960,981, 6,942,649, 6,695,624,6,685,681, 6,071,267, 5,697,920, 5,441,482, 5,358,494, 5,242,392,5,156,846 and 551,973. However, many of such known treatment devices donot stream a liquid across the wound, but merely draw fluids from thewound or maintain a moist wound bed, and therefore are not particularlyeffective to wash away secretions, exudates, debris, bacteria, etc.Others of such devices, which are particularly useful for streamingliquids across the wound, are not convenient to apply and/or to wear bythe patient.

OBJECT AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a liquid streamingdevice for treating wounds in a manner which can be advantageously usedin one or more of the above treatments and also for effecting aplurality of such treatments at the same time. Another object of theinvention is to provide a method of making such liquid streamingdevices, and a further object is to provide a method of treating a woundusing such liquid streaming devices.

According to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid streaming device for treating a wound, comprising: a bodyhaving a lower surface for application to skin region around the woundto be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and anupper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skinregion; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configuredto enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and todefine a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound,and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one sideof the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side ofthe chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess foroutletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.

According to further features in the described preferred embodiments,the device further comprises an elongated distribution channel in thebody for conducting the treating liquid from the inlet to the inlet sideof the chamber. The elongated distribution channel extends around theinlet side of the chamber defined by the recess. The elongateddistribution channel communicates with a plurality of short distributionchannels spaced along the elongated distribution channel fordistributing the treating liquid into the inlet side of the chamberdefined by the recess. The plurality of short distribution channels haveoutlets oriented to direct the treating liquid substantially downwardlyinto the wound.

According to further features in the described preferred embodiments,the outer surface of the body overlying the recess is of dome shape toprevent its collapse and contact with the skin by negative pressuretherein. At least a portion of the body overlying the recess istransparent to permit visual observation of the interior of the chamber.

In all the described embodiments, the body is a thin flexible body of anelastomeric material and includes an enlarged area at its center regionfor accommodating the chamber, and relatively small areas at oppositeend regions for accommodating the inlet and outlet channels. Also, thebody further includes an adhesive assembly adhesively bondable to itslower surface for adhering the body to a skin region around the woundand for sealing the chamber.

In some described preferred embodiments, the body is a thin flexiblebody including an upper layer having an upper surface and a lowersurface; and a lower layer having an upper surface facing, and incontact with, the lower surface of the upper layer, and a lower surfaceformed with an opening defining the recess and the chamber; the inletand outlet channels are formed in the facing surfaces of the two layers.

In another described embodiment, the body is an integral body ofelastomeric material formed with the recess defining the chamber, andfurther formed with the inlet and outlet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of making a liquid treating device for treating a wound,comprising: forming a body with a lower surface having a recessconfigured such that it encloses the wound, when the body is applied tothe skin region around the wound, to thereby define a chamber closed onone side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side bythe body; forming an inlet in the body on one side of the recess forintroducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; andforming an outlet in the body on another side of the recess foroutletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of treating a wound by a streaming device as describedabove wherein the streaming device is attached to the skin region aroundthe wound to be treated to define the chamber over the wound. The inletof the streaming device is connected to a source of treating liquid atan elevation above the wound to initially produce a positive pressure inthe treating liquid for filling the chamber; and the outlet of thestreaming device is connected to a collection receptacle at an elevationbelow the wound to produce, when a restricted liquid flow is produced inthe chamber, a negative pressure in the chamber.

As will be described more particularly below, such a liquid streamingdevice permits therapeutic or other liquids to be administered to thewound bed to perform one or more of the above-described treatments in aconvenient and effective manner.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one form of streaming device constructed inaccordance with the present invention for treating wounds;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the main part of the device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c are fragmentary sectional views illustratingthree types of adhesive assemblies that could be used in the liquidstreaming device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 more particularly illustrates the liquid channels in the liquidstreaming device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded fragmentary top view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded fragmentary bottom view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a variation in the upper part of the device of FIG.4, wherein the distribution openings are downwardly-oriented orifices;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a modification of the streaming device whereinthe elongated distribution channel is a flexible tube perforated withdownwardly-oriented orifices;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a modification wherein the elongateddistribution channel is formed with a plurality of short distributionchannels having downwardly-extending outlets spaced from the wound toprevent their blockage when the treating chamber exposed to the wound isunder suction;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 more particularly illustrates the spacing ribs in FIGS. 10 and11 for spacing the outlet ends of the distribution channels from thewound to prevent blockage when suction is applied to the liquid treatingthe chamber;

FIG. 13 illustrates a modification, wherein the streaming deviceincludes another inlet channel receiving an inlet conduit passingthrough the center of the upper part to treat deep wounds;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view illustrating another embodiment of theinvention, wherein the upper part is of smaller area than the lowerpart;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded views from opposite sides of the streamingdevice of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view illustrating a further streaming deviceconstructed in accordance with the present invention wherein the lowerpart of the device is of smaller area than the upper part;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are enlarged fragmentary views from opposite sides moreparticularly illustrating the structure of the streaming device of FIG.17;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view illustrating a further streaming deviceconstructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the baseis formed as an integral unit by injection molding;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are enlarged fragmentary views more particularlyillustrating the manner of injection molding the base of the embodimentof FIG. 20;

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate the streaming device constructed inaccordance with the present invention wherein the base is injectionmolded onto a plastic elastomeric film carrying an adhesive and arelease liner;

FIG. 25 more particularly illustrates the construction of the plasticfilm including the adhesive and release liner thereon;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view, and FIG. 27 is an assembled view,illustrating another streaming device constructed in accordance with thepresent invention in which the adhesive layer is extended to enhanceadherence to the patient's skin and sealing of the treatment chamber;

FIGS. 28 a-28 d illustrate a further feature that may be included in anyof the described preferred embodiments for spacing the outlet ends ofthe distribution ducts from the skin to prevent occlusion thedistribution ducts in the presence of a negative pressure within thetreatment chamber;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 a and 31 b illustrate the provision of a skin guardbetween the streaming device and the patient's skin to protect thepatient's skin particularly when the streaming device is to befrequently removed and reapplied;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view illustrating a further embodiment whereinthe streaming device is molded onto the adhesive assembly;

FIG. 33 illustrates the assembled streaming device of FIG. 32; and

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary view illustrating the construction of theadhesive assembly of FIGS. 32 and 33.

It is to be understood that the foregoing drawings, and the descriptionbelow, are provided primarily for purposes of facilitating understandingthe conceptual aspects of the invention and possible embodimentsthereof, including what is presently considered to be a preferredembodiment. In the interest of clarity and brevity, no attempt is madeto provide more details than necessary to enable one skilled in the art,using routine skill and design, to understand and practice the describedinvention. It is to be further understood that the embodiments describedare for purposes of example only, and that the invention is capable ofbeing embodied in other forms and applications than described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The Embodiment of FIGS. 1-7

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view,illustrating the main parts of one form of liquid streaming deviceconstructed in accordance with the present invention. Thus, as shown inFIG. 2, such a liquid streaming device includes an upper layer 2 of amaterial bonded to a lower layer 3 of material. Preferably, both layers2 and 3 are of an elastomeric material, such as a silicone, TPE(thermoplastic elastomer), etc. Before the two layers are bondedtogether, the upper layer 2 is formed, in the central area of its undersurface, with a partially-circular recess in the form of a loop 4 (FIG.4) closed at its opposite ends to define an interrupted region 4 a inthe loop; a linear recess 5 extending from one end of layer 2 to thecentral portion 2 a of layer 3 enclosed by the partially-circular loop4; and a second linear recess 6 extending from the interrupted portion 4a of loop 4 to the opposite end of the layer.

The lower layer 3 is formed, before it is bonded to the upper layer 2,with a central opening 3 a (FIG. 2) of a diameter to cover thepartially-circular loop 4 of the upper layer 2, but to leave uncoveredthe central portion 2 a of layer 2 enclosed by the partially-circularloop 4, uncovered.

After the two layers 2 and 3 have been bonded together, a flexible tube7 is introduced into the channel defined by linear recess 5 such thatone end of tube 7 communicates with the mid-portion ofpartially-circular loop 4, while the opposite end includes a connector 7a. A second flexible tube 8 is introduced into the channel defined bylinear recess 6 so that one end leads to the interrupted portion 4 a ofthe partially-circular loop, whereas the opposite end extends outwardlyand includes a connector 8 a.

After the two layers 2 and 3 have been bonded together and the flexibletubes 7 and 8 located within linear recesses 5 and 6, respectively, apressure-sensitive adhesive assembly 10, formed with a central opening10 a for alignment with opening 3 a in the lower part 3, is applied tothe under surface of the lower layer 3. Adhesive assembly 10 enables theillustrated liquid streaming device to be conveniently applied to thepatient's skin around the wound, as will be described more particularlybelow.

FIGS. 1 and 2-5 illustrate the construction of the liquid streamingdevice after the foregoing parts have been made and assembled togetheras described above. Thus, layers 2 and 3 define a body having a lowersurface for application to the skin region (S, FIG. 10) around the wound(W, FIG. 10) to be treated with a liquid, and an upper surface, namelythe outer surface of the upper layer 2, to face outwardly when the bodyis applied to the mentioned skin region. Opening 3 a formed in the lowerlayer 3, and opening 10 a in the adhesive assembly 10, define a circularrecess which encloses the wound when the thin flexible body, defined bythe two bonded layers 2, 3, is applied by the adhesive assembly to theskin region around the wound.

The two layers 2, 3 thus define a liquid treatment chamber 9 closed onone side by the skin region S (FIG. 10) and the wound W, and on theopposite side by the central portion 2 a of the upper layer 2 overlyingopening 3 a. An inlet is defined by linear recess 5 and inlet tube 7 forintroducing a treating liquid into the inlet side of chamber 9. Anelongated distribution channel is defined by the partially-circular loop4 for conducting the treating liquid from the inlet to the inlet side ofchamber 9; and an outlet is defined by linear recess 6 and outlet tube 8for outletting the treating liquid from the loop-interrupted side 4 adefining the outlet end of chamber 9.

As indicated earlier, the two layers 2 and 3 are preferably made of anelastomeric material, such as silicone or TPE. This enables the body tobe conveniently applied to the patient's skin, and to permitsubstantially unrestricted movement of the respective part of thepatient's body. FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c illustrate three types ofadhesive assemblies 10 which may be used for this purpose.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a five-layer construction, and FIG. 3 b illustratesa seven-layer construction, which may be used particularly where the twolayers 2, 3, of the body are made of a silicone elastomer or TPE.

The five-layer construction illustrated in FIG. 3 a includes a plasticfilm carrier 11, preferably of an elastomeric material such aspolyurethane or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) material. However, carrier11 may also be another material, such as polyethylene, which is a thin,flexible, non-elastomeric material, a nonwoven material or a foamedmaterial. One side of carrier film 11 carries a layer of adhesive 12having good adherent properties with respect to silicone or TPE; such anadhesive may be, for example, an acrylic/silicone adhesive. The oppositeside of carrier film 11 carries another layer 13 of adhesive having goodadherent properties to the skin, such as a hydrocolloid adhesive. Bothadhesive layers 12 and 13 are each covered by a release liner 14 and 15,respectively.

The seven-layer construction, generally designed 10′ in FIG. 3 b,includes the same five layers as described above in assembly 10 of FIG.3 a, which layers are correspondingly numbered as in FIG. 3 a. Inaddition, adhesive assembly 10′ in FIG. 3 b includes two additionallayers, namely another plastic film carrier 16 having a lower faceadhered to adhesive layer 12, and an upper face carrying anotheradhesive layer 17 covered by the release liner 14. In the constructionillustrated in FIG. 3 b, the additional plastic film carrier 16 may beone of the same materials as plastic carrier 11 in FIG. 3 a;alternatively, it may also be a nylon film, a nonwoven fabric layer, ora foamed layer, having good adherent properties with respect to theacrylic/silicone adhesive of layer 12 and good strength properties toincrease the strength of the adhesive assembly.

The three-layer adhesive assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 c isparticularly useful where the adhesive used has good adherent propertiesboth to the lower layer 3 of the streaming device and the skin of thepatient. In such case, the adhesive assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 c,and therein designated 10″, includes an upper release liner 14 and alower release liner 18 with an adhesive layer 15 between the two liners.Thus, when the adhesive assembly is to be applied to the streamingdevice, the upper liner 14 is peeled away, and the adhesive layer 15 isapplied to the under surface of the streaming device. When the streamingdevice is to be applied to a patient, the lower liner 18 is peeled away,to enable the streaming device to be adhesively applied to the patient'sskin.

Adhesive assembly 10 of FIG. 3 a, 10′ of FIG. 3 b, and 10″ of FIG. 3 c,is of the same configuration as the lower layer 3 of the body producedby bonding the two layers 2, 3 together. As indicated above, eachadhesive assembly is formed with a central opening 10 a aligned withcentral opening 3 a of layer 2.

Adhesive assembly 10 of FIG. 3 a, 10′ of FIG. 3 b, or 10″ of FIG. 3 cmay be conveniently applied to the under surface of the lower layer 3,by first peeling away the upper release liner 14 and then applying theadhesive layer (e.g. 12 of FIG. 3 a, 17 of FIG. 3 b or 18 of FIG. 3 c)to the under surface of layer 3. Whenever the device is to be applied tothe skin of the patient to treat a wound therein, the lower releaseliner 15 is peeled away to thereby expose the hydrocolloid adhesivelayer 13 for contact with the subject's skin. As indicated above, whenthe device is so applied, opening 10 a in adhesive assembly 10, andopening 3 a in the lower layer 3, define chamber 9 enclosing the woundand closed on one side by the central portion 2 a of the upper layer 2,and on the opposite side by the skin S (FIG. 10) and wound W.

As shown particularly in FIG. 10, the central region 2 a of the upperlayer 2 is preferably outwardly bulged to a dome-shape to structurallystrengthen the chamber against collapse and to prevent contact with thewound in the presence of a high negative pressure within the treatmentchamber 9. Preferably, this region of layer 2, or the complete layer 2,is of a transparent material so as to enable visual observation of thewound within the chamber.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 4-6, the elongated distribution channeldefined by the partially-circular loop 4 includes a plurality ofdownwardly-extending short channels 4 b leading into chamber 9 so as touniformly distribute the treating liquid around the circumference of thechamber. The short distribution channels 4 b are preferably downwardlyoriented so as to better conduct the treating liquid into the depth ofthe wound within chamber 9. This may be done by forming thesemi-circular loop constituting the elongated distribution channel 4with downwardly-extending extensions spaced along the length of the loopas shown in FIG. 4, or with orifices in the lower surface of the loop,as shown in FIG. 7, or in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 describedbelow.

The upper layer 2 is of an enlarged area in its central region 2 b (FIG.4) for accommodating the liquid treatment chamber 9 defined by thecentral domed region 2 a, and also the looped distribution channel 4communicating with the inlet side of that chamber. The two end regions 2c, 2 d, of the upper layer 2, are of reduced area to accommodate theinlet and outlet channels 5, 6. It will also be seen that the lowerlayer 3 is of similar configuration as the upper layer 2.

Operation of the Embodiment of FIGS. 1-7

The above-described streaming device of FIGS. 1-7 may be used to treat awound in the following manner:

First, the upper release liner 14 is removed to expose the adhesive 12(FIG. 3 a) or 17 (FIG. 3 b) for application to the under surface of thelower layer 3. Release liner 15 is then removed and the streaming deviceis applied to the skin region S (FIG. 10) around the wound W (FIG. 10)to define the treatment chamber 9, which, as pointed out above, isclosed at one side by the central region 2 a of the upper layer 2, andon the opposite side, by the wound W and the skin region S around thewound. The inlet tube 7 is then connected to a source of treating liquidat an elevation above the wound, and the outlet tube 8 is connected to acollection receptacle at an elevation below the wound. Thus, agravity-flow of the treating liquid to the treatment chamber 9 isinitially produced by the positive pressure to fill chamber 9 with theliquid. A negative pressure is produced in the chamber by its connectionto the low-elevation collection receptacle. This negative pressureapplied to the wound within the chamber varies with the rate of flow tothe collection receptacle.

Administration of therapeutic or other liquids to the wound is thus madepossible through the device's streaming mechanism. The continuousstreaming of the treating liquid effectively washes away secretions,exudates, debris and bacteria, and also maintains a moist wound bed.Such continuous streaming can be used for producing a continualautolytic or proteolytic debridement by streaming saline or otherdebridement augmenting agents. The liquid streaming device thus may beused to enhance a wound healing process, and also to protect the woundfrom pathogens and contaminants in an aseptic therapeutic compartment,namely the treatment chamber 9. The streaming device can also be used tomanage exudates by streaming hyper-osmotic fluids to draw edematousfluids from the wounds or hypo-osmotic fluids to drive therapeuticagents into the wound. The low-intensity vacuum produced within chamber9 tends to remove edematous fluids and facilitates formation ofgranulation tissue.

Flow-restricting devices, commonly used in standard intravenous sets,may be used to control the flow rate. The flow-restricting device may beset to produce a flow ranging up to 3000 ml/hour, i.e., up to 50ml/minute. The height difference between the source of the treatingliquid, usually a fluid bag, and the wound ensures gravity flow tochamber 9, while the height difference between the wound and collectionbag ensures a low intensity, therapeutic vacuum in chamber 9.

A uniform flow of the treating liquid into the treatment chamber 9 maybe produced by suitably designing the distribution, the length and thediameters of the short flow distribution channels or orifices 4 blocated around the looped elongated distribution channel 4, to inlet thetreating liquid into the treatment chamber uniformly around itsperiphery. In addition, the downwardly-oriented ends or orifices of theshort distribution channels 4 b, produce a flow perpendicularly to thewound bed W, thereby creating a downward velocity component to thetreating liquid introduced into the treatment chamber 9. This flowmechanism prevents the formation of a stagnant flow region at the woundbed that could impede the cleansing and treatment functions of thetreating liquid.

The connector 7 a, at the outer ends of the inlet tube 7, preferablyincludes a luer-activated check valve. Such valves are normally closed,but are automatically opened when a luer male connector is inserted.This allows the patient to disconnect the streaming device from theinfusion set without removing the streaming device. When disconnected,the streaming device remains airtight and attached to the patient'sskin. The wound is thus protected from contamination and injury, while amoist and therapeutic environment is maintained. The check valve inconnector 7 a also allows multiple treatment sessions without riskinginfection in the wound.

Since the illustrated streaming device is made of a soft and flexibleelastomeric material, it may be bent to assume the contour of the skinarea to which it is applied. In addition, the illustrated flat, thinstreaming device has a low profile shape, one that allows it to behaveas a two-dimensional structure. In this way, it exhibits low resistanceto deformation and may be wrapped easily around the body part to whichit is applied. The streaming device lies flat against the skin,stretching with the skin as the patient moves about. Its low profileallows patient mobility since it does not have extraneous parts thatmight interfere with patient movement.

Flow optimization of the treating liquid through the streaming devicemay be effected by taking into consideration the following factors:

(a) The vacuum inside the treatment chamber 9 covering the wound mainlydepends on the vertical distance between the outlet bag (collection) andthe patient. This means that the larger the vertical distance betweenthe patient and the collection bag, the larger is the vacuum levelcreated around the wound. The following table shows the pressuregradient as function of the distance in a no flow condition:

Millimeters of Distance [cm] Millibar mercury  0 0 0 10 −10 −7.5 2-  −20−15 3-0 −30 −22.5 40 −40 −30 50 −50 −37.5 60 −60 −45 70 −70 −52.5 80 −80−60 90 −90 −67.5 100  −100 −75

(b) The vacuum also depends on the flow entering chamber 9. The higherthe flow, the lower is the vacuum generated in the chamber. For examplefor a flow of 0 [cc/min], when the treating liquid fills the entiresystem, the vacuum in case of positioning the collection bag 50 cm belowthe patient would result in −37.5 mm of mercury. On the other hand forthe same setup, if passing a flow of a few tens of cc/min, the vacuumwill sharply decrease to −32 mm of mercury.

(c) An increase in flow is possible by either increasing the flow areato the flushing chamber (controlled via an orifice) or by justincreasing inlet diameter or pressure. The inlet pressure can beincreased by elevating the inlet bag.

It will be thus be seen the optimal vacuum and flow are created by thecombination of maximum distance between the patient and the collectionbag, while minimum flow is achieved by lowering the inlet bag, reducingthe orifice of the inlet and outlet tubes, or creating the equivalentflow path by using narrow tubes.

It may also be desirable to modulate the intensity of the negativepressure in the chamber. This can be done by altering the height of thebag, or by controlling the flow rate of the liquid into the collectionbag. This may also be accomplished by providing a controllable pressuresource and/or vacuum source connected to the inlet and outlet,respectively, of the treatment chamber such as to control, or tomodulate, the pressure within the treatment chamber.

The Embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of the invention somewhat similarto those of FIGS. 1-7, and therefore corresponding parts are identifiedby the same reference numerals for purposes of clarity. The maindifference in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is in the construction ofthe distribution channel, therein designated 14, for distributing thetreating liquid into the inlet side of treatment chamber 9.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the distribution channel includes a flexibletube 20, which is interposed between the two layers 2 and 3 before theyare bonded together. For this purpose, flexible tube 20 is snap-fittedinto a recess corresponding to the partially-circular recess definingloop 4 (FIG. 4) or 4′ (FIG. 7) formed in the under face of the upperlayer 2. Flexible tube 20 is provided with a plurality ofdownwardly-oriented orifices 21 varying in size along the length of thetube to distribute the treating liquid uniformly into the inlet end ofchamber 9 around its periphery.

Flexible tube 20 is preferably further provided with a stiff butbendable end portion 22 (FIG. 9) at one or both of its ends in order todeliver the treating liquid directly into a deep wound bed, if sodesired.

The Embodiment of FIGS. 10-12

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a feature which may be included in any of theembodiments described herein, wherein the outlets of the orifices orshort distribution channels 4 a of the loop elongated channel 4 arespaced away from the wound W to prevent blockage of the outlets when thetreatment chamber 9 is under a negative pressure.

The feature of FIGS. 10-12 is illustrated with respect to the embodimentof FIGS. 1-6, wherein the elongated distribution loop 4 is defined by apartially-circular channel formed in the under surface of the upperlayer 2, and includes a plurality of downwardly-oriented short ducts 4 aleading into the inlet side of chamber 9. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, aplurality of spacer elements 23 are secured to the underside of loop 4.Each of the spacer elements 23 includes one leg 23 a to which thedownwardly-oriented or short ducts 4 a pass, and a second leg 23 b forspacing the outlets of the short ducts above the skin S and wound W ashort distance, shown at D in FIG. 11, above the skin and the wound suchas to prevent blockage of the outer ends of the short distribution ducts22 when chamber 9 is subjected to a negative pressure.

As indicated above, although the feature of FIGS. 10-12 is illustratedwith respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the same feature can beincluded in the previously-described, or later-to-be-described,embodiments.

The Feature of FIG. 13

FIG. 13 illustrates a further feature wherein inlet tube 7 includes aY-fitting 30 to supply the treating liquid through one inlet tube 7 aconnected to the inlet side of the treatment chamber 9, and through asecond tube 7 b passing through a hole 31 in the central dome part 2 aof the upper layer 2 in order to direct a portion of the liquid moredeeply into the wound W. If this is not required, tube 7 b and hole 31may be sealed with plugs (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the above feature illustrated in FIG. 13could also be used in any of the previously-described, orlater-to-be-described, embodiments of the invention.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 14-16

In the foregoing constructions, the upper layer 2 and the bottom layer 3are of the same configuration and size, including an enlarged centralarea 2 b (FIG. 4) for accommodating the treatment chamber 9 (FIG. 10),and two reduced-area end sections 2 c, 2 d for accommodating the inletand outlet conduits. FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a streaming device whereinthe upper layer, generally designated 42, is of smaller area than thelower layer 43. In this case, the upper layer 42 is formed with acentral region 42 a (which may be dome-shaped, flat-shaped, etc.), thelooped distribution channel 44, and the inlet and outlet channels 47,48; whereas the lower layer 43 a is formed with an annular seat 43 a forpart 42 defining the central opening for the treatment chamber. In allother respects, the streaming device 40 illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 isconstructed substantially that described above, including the adhesiveassembly 49 which may be as described above with respect to adhesiveassembly 10 (FIG. 3 a) or 10′ (FIG. 3 b).

The construction illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 provides several advantages:First, it increases the flexibility of the overall liquid streamingdevice because of the reduced thickness both at its middle portion andat its end portions; secondly, it substantially reduces material costssince less elastomeric material is used for the upper layer.

The Embodiment of FIGS. 17-19

Another construction of the streaming device is illustrated in FIGS.17-19, therein identified as 50, wherein the lower layer 53 is ofreduced area as compared to the upper layer 52. Thus, as shown, thelower layer 53 is essentially a partially-circular ring bonded to theunder surface of the upper layer 52 around the loop-shaped distributionchannel 54 distributing the treating liquid into the treatment chamberenlarged by the dome-shaped, transparent central region 52 a.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 18 and 19, cover 53 is formed with apartially-circular recess 53 a and with the downwardly-oriented orifices54 for inletting the treating liquid into the treatment chamber 9 (FIG.10), and also includes the spacer elements 55, corresponding to spacerelements 23 described above with respect to FIGS. 10-12 for spacing theoutlet ends of the orifices from the patient's skin S and the wound W(FIG. 10) so as not to block these orifices when the treatment chamber 9is subjected to a negative pressure. In addition, the upper layer 52 isalso formed with a partially-circular groove 53 b to be aligned withgroove 53 a to define the partially-circular elongated channel feedingthe orifices in the cover 54. In substantially all other respects, theliquid streaming device illustrated in FIGS. 17-19 is substantially thesame as described above and include the adhesive assembly 54corresponding to adhesive assembly 10 or 10′ in FIG. 3 a or 3 b,respectively.

It will be appreciated that the construction illustrated in FIGS. 17-19provides basically the same advantages as the construction illustratedin FIGS. 14-16, namely an increase in the flexibility of the streamingdevice, and a reduction in cost of manufacture because of thesignificantly smaller amount of elastomeric material used in itsproduction.

The Embodiment of FIGS. 20-25

FIGS. 20-25 illustrate a still further variation in the construction ofthe streaming device, therein generally designated 60, in accordancewith the present invention. In this variation, both layers 2 and 3 areformed as an integral body 62 of elastomeric material. Body 62 isproduced by a one-shot injection molding procedure to form the centralrecess in the under surface defining the treatment chamber (9, FIG. 10),and the distribution channels (4, 4 a) for feeding the treating liquidinto and out of the treatment chamber. The latter recess anddistribution channels may be formed by including an insert 63 within themold, which insert is removable after the elastomeric material has beenmolded as described above in order to define the elongated distributionchannel.

The elastomeric material for use in injection-molding the body 62 may besilicone, TPE, or any other suitable elastomeric material. The device 60illustrated in FIGS. 20-22 also includes a separate adhesive assembly,generally designated 70, which may be of either of the constructions foradhesive assembly 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b.Streaming device 60 may further include the spacer elements shown at 64,described with above with respect to FIGS. 10-12, for spacing the outletends of the short distribution ducts or orifices from the patient's skinand wound, as shown particularly in FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate a modified construction similar to that of FIGS.20-22, except here the body 62 is injection molded directly onto theadhesive assembly 70 shown in FIG. 24. In such case, the adhesiveassembly 70 could be of the three-layer type illustrated in FIG. 25. Itdoes not require either the upper release liner 14 (FIGS. 3 a, 3 b) orthe upper adhesive layer (e.g., 12, FIG. 3 a or 17, FIG. 3 b), since thebody 62 is injection molded directly onto the plastic carrier 71,corresponding to carrier 11 in FIG. 3 a. Accordingly, as shown in FIG.25, the adhesive assembly need include only the plastic elastomeric(e.g. silicone) carrier 71 bonded to the injection-molded body 62 duringthe injection process, the adhesive layer having good adherentproperties to the skin, and the release liner 73 for protecting theadhesive layer 72 until ready for application to the subject's skin.

The Variations of FIGS. 26-34

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a further variation, generally designated 80,also including a body, generally designated 82, and an adhesive assembly84, wherein the adhesive assembly 84 is of larger dimensions than thebody 82 so as to produce a marginal extension, shown at 85 in FIG. 27,of the adhesive assembly around the periphery of the body 82 to enhancethe adhesion of the streaming device to the skin, and also to enhanceits sealing of the treatment chamber.

FIGS. 28 a-28 d illustrate another arrangement for preventing occlusionof the outlets of the short distribution channels in the presence of ahigh negative pressure within the treatment chamber 9. Thus, whereasFIGS. 10-12 illustrate the provision of spacer elements 23 distributedaround the elongated distribution channel 4 for spacing the outlets ofthe short distribution channels 4 a from the skin, FIGS. 28 a-28 dillustrate the use of a foam ring, therein designated 90, together withthe distribution elements 23, for performing this function. Thus, FIGS.28 a and 28 b illustrate the condition wherein the treatment chamber 9is not subjected to a high negative pressure, and FIGS. 28 c and 28 dillustrate the condition wherein the treatment chamber 9 is subject to ahigh negative pressure.

In all other respects, the construction illustrated in FIGS. 28 a-28 dis the same as, and operates in the same manner as, the constructiondescribed above with respect to FIGS. 10-12, and therefore correspondingparts have been identified with the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 29-31 b illustrate a construction wherein the streaming device,therein generally designated 100, includes a skin guard 102 to protectthe patient's skin from solution streaming in the streaming device andalso from skin tearing when the streaming device is removed. Such a skinguard is particularly useful when used with rough skin around the wound,or where the topography around the wound of the streaming device is hardto attach to the patient's skin.

In this construction, the streaming device 100 also includes, on itsunder surface, an adhesive assembly, generally designated 110 of fivelayers as illustrated in FIG. 30; whereas the skin guard 102 includes anadhesive assembly, generally designated 120 in FIG. 31 a, or 130 in FIG.31 b.

The streaming device 100 illustrated in FIG. 29 is shown as being of atype wherein the body is injection-molded directly onto the adhesiveassembly, therein designated 110. Thus, as shown in FIG. 30, adhesiveassembly 110 includes injected part 111 of an elastomeric material, suchas silicone, TPE, or the like; a release liner 112; a carrier 113 ofpolyurethane, polyethylene, silicone, TPE, non-woven nylon, or a foamedplastic. The carrier layer is applied an adhesive 114 of an acrylicresin, silicone, rubber, etc., which adhesive layer is protected by arelease liner 115.

The skin guard 102 also includes an adhesive assembly, shown at 120 inFIG. 31 a, or at 130 in FIG. 31 b.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 31 a, skin guard 107 can be made of polyurethane,polyethylene, TPE, non-woven fabric such as nylon, or a foamed plastic.Underlying skin guard 107 is a layer of a skin adhesive 121, such as ahydrocolloid, acrylic resin, or rubber. The adhesive layer is protectedby a release liner 122, which is peeled away when the skin guard is tobe attached to the patient's skin.

FIG. 31 b illustrates another construction of the skin guard, whereinthe adhesive assembly 130 is separately produced. In this constructionas illustrated in FIG. 31 b, adhesive assembly 130 includes a releaselayer 131, carrier 132 of polyurethane, polyethylene, TPE, non-wovenfabric, or a foamed plastic, as described above. Under the carrier layer131 is a layer 133 of a skin adhesive, such as a hydrocolloid, acrylicresin, rubber, or the like. Finally, a release liner 134 is applied overthe adhesive layer. When using the adhesive assembly 130 illustrated inFIG. 31 b, release layer 131 is removed to attach the adhesive assemblyto the skin guard, and whenever the skin guard is to be applied to thesubject's skin, the lower release liner 134 is removed.

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate a further construction similar to that of FIGS.23-25, wherein the body of the streaming device 140 is injection-moldeddirectly on to the adhesive assembly 150. As shown in FIG. 34, theadhesive assembly 150 in this case includes injected silicone part 151,carrier 152 of polyurethane, polyethylene, TPE, non-woven fabric, orfoamed plastic as described above. The adhesive assembly furtherincludes a skin adhesive layer 153 of a hydrocolloid, an acrylic resin,rubber, or the like; and finally, the adhesive layer 153 is covered by arelease liner 154 which is to be removed whenever the streaming deviceis to be applied to the skin of the patient.

While the invention has been described with respect to many preferredembodiments, it will be appreciated that these are set forth merely forpurposes of example, and that many other variations, modifications andapplications of the invention may be made.

1. A liquid streaming device for treating a wound, comprising: a bodyhaving a lower surface for application to skin region around the woundto be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and anupper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skinregion; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configuredto enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and todefine a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound,and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one sideof the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side ofthe chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess foroutletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber. 2.The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises anelongated distribution in the body for conducting the treating liquidfrom the inlet to the inlet side of the chamber.
 3. The device accordingto claim 2, wherein the elongated distribution channel in the bodyextends around the inlet side of the chamber defined by the recess; theelongated distribution channel communicating with a plurality of shortdistribution channels spaced along the elongated distribution channelfor distributing the treating liquid into the inlet side of the chamberdefined by the recess.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein theplurality of short distribution channels have outlets oriented to directthe treating liquid substantially downwardly into the wound.
 5. Thedevice according to claim 4, wherein the elongated distribution channelis configured as an open loop having closed ends spaced from each otherto define an interruption in the open loop between the closed ends; theplurality of short distribution channels being spaced along the loop tocommunicate with the inlet side of the chamber; the interruption in theloop constituting the outlet side of the chamber and communicating withsaid outlet of the body.
 6. The device according to claim 4, wherein theoutlets of the short distribution channels are spaced away from thewound to prevent blockage of the outlets when the chamber is under anegative pressure.
 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein theoutlets of the short distribution channels are spaced away from thewound by a plurality of spacing elements interposed between the outletsof the short distribution channels and the skin of the patient.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 6, wherein the outlets of the shortdistribution channels are spaced away from the wound by a strip of foammaterial interposed between the outlets of the short distributionchannels and the skin of the patient.
 9. The device according to claim1, wherein the outer surface of the body overlying the recess is of domeshape to resist its collapse into contact with the wound by a negativepressure within the chamber.
 10. The device according to claim 1,wherein at least the portion of the body overlying the recess istransparent to permit visual observation of the interior of the chamber.11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes an inletopening in its upper surface communicating with a central region of thechamber, and an inlet conduit extending through the inlet opening intothe chamber for inletting a treating liquid therein to treat deepwounds.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the body is of anelastomeric material.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein theinlet and outlet of the body include tubes having inlet and outletconnectors for connecting them, respectively, to a source of treatingliquid and to a collection receptacle for receiving the treating liquidafter exiting from the chamber, and wherein said inlet connector is aluer-type connector including a valve which is self-closing when theconnector is detached from the source of treating liquid.
 14. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the body is a thin flexible body ofenlarged area at its center region for accommodating the chamber, and isof relatively small area at its opposite end regions for accommodatingthe inlet and outlet channels.
 15. The device according to claim 1,wherein the body further includes an adhesive assembly adhesivelybondable to its lower surface for adhering the body to a skin regionaround the wound and for sealing the chamber.
 16. The device accordingto claim 15, wherein the adhesive assembly includes: a plastic filmcarrier; an upper adhesive layer on the upper surface of the plasticfilm carrier for application to the lower surface of the body; and alower adhesive layer on the lower surface of the plastic film carrierfor application to the skin region around the wound.
 17. The deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein: the body is of an elastomeric material;the plastic film carrier is also of an elastomeric material; the upperadhesive layer is an adhesive having good adherent properties withrespect to the elastomeric material of the body and the elastomericmaterial of the plastic film carrier; and the lower adhesive layer is anadhesive having good adherent properties with respect to the elastomericmaterial of the plastic film carrier and the skin around the wound. 18.The device according to claim 17, wherein upper adhesive layer is anacrylic/silicone adhesive, and the lower adhesive layer is ahydrocolloid adhesive.
 19. The device according to claim 18, wherein theadhesive assembly further includes an intermediate plastic film carriercarrying the upper adhesive layer and adherent to the first-mentionedplastic film carrier by an intermediate adhesive layer.
 20. The deviceaccording to claim 19, wherein the body is of an elastomeric material;the first-mentioned plastic film carrier and the intermediate plasticfilm carrier are also of elastomeric materials; the upper andintermediate adhesive layers are of an acrylic/silicone adhesive havinggood adherent properties with respect to the elastomeric materials; andthe lower adhesive layer is a hydrocolloid adhesive having good adhesiveproperties with respect to the skin around the wound.
 21. The deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the adhesive assembly further includes arelease liner on the upper adhesive layer, and a release liner on thelower adhesive layer.
 22. The device according to claim 15, wherein saidadhesive assembly includes upper and lower release liners, and anadhesive layer between said release liners, such that when the adhesiveassembly is to be applied to the body, the upper release liner isremoved, and the when the body is to be applied to the skin of thepatient, the lower release liner is removed.
 23. The device according toclaim 15, wherein said adhesive assembly is of larger dimensions thanthose of said body so as to produce a marginal extension around theperiphery of said body to enhance its adhesion to the skin, and itssealing of said chamber.
 24. The device according to claim 1, whereinsaid streaming device further includes a thin flexible layer to underliethe lower surface of said body, said thin flexible layer being providedwith an upper adhesive layer for adhering to said body, and a loweradhesive layer for adhering to the patient, such that said further thinflexible layer serves as a skin guard when adhering the streaming deviceto the patient.
 25. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bodyis a thin flexible body which includes: an upper layer having an uppersurface and a lower surface; and a lower layer having an upper surfacefacing, and in contact with, the lower surface of the upper layer, and alower surface formed with an opening defining the recess and thechamber; the inlet and outlet channels being formed in the facingsurfaces of the two layers.
 26. The device according to claim 25,wherein the upper and lower layers are of an elastomeric material andare bonded to each other at the facing surfaces.
 27. The deviceaccording to claim 25, wherein the upper and lower layers are ofsubstantially the same size and configuration.
 28. The device accordingto claim 25, wherein the upper layer is of smaller size than the lowerlayer and is configured to cover the hole formed in the lower layer todefine the chamber.
 29. The device according to claim 25, wherein thelower layer is of smaller size than the upper layer.
 30. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the body is an integral body ofelastomeric material formed with the recess defining the chamber, andfurther formed with said inlet and outlet.
 31. A method of making aliquid treating device for treating a wound, comprising: forming a bodywith a lower surface having a recess configured such that the recessencloses the wound, when the body is applied to the skin region aroundthe wound, to thereby define a chamber closed on one side by the skinregion and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; forming aninlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treatingliquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and forming an outlet in thebody on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquidfrom an outlet side of the chamber.
 32. The method according to claim31, wherein an elongated distribution channel is also formed in the bodyfor conducting the treating liquid from the inlet to the inlet side ofthe chamber.
 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the elongateddistribution channel is formed in the body to extend around the inletside of the chamber defined by the recess; and wherein the body isfurther formed with a plurality of short distribution channels spacedalong the elongated distribution channel for distributing the treatingliquid substantially uniformly into the inlet side of the chamberdefined by the recess.
 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein theplurality of short distribution channels are formed with outletsoriented to distribute the treating liquid substantially downwardly intothe wound.
 35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the elongateddistribution channel is configured as an open loop having closed endsspaced from each other to define an interruption in the open loopbetween the closed ends; the plurality of short distribution channelsbeing spaced along the loop to communicate with the inlet side of thechamber; the interruption in the loop constituting the outlet side ofthe chamber and communicating with the outlet channel.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 34, wherein the outlet ends of the short distributionchannels are spaced away from the wound surface to prevent blockage ofthe outlets when the chamber is under a negative pressure.
 37. Themethod according to claim 36, wherein the outlets of the shortdistribution channels are spaced away from the wound by a plurality ofspacing elements interposed between the outlets of the shortdistribution channels and the skin of the patient.
 38. The methodaccording to claim 36, wherein the outlets of the short distributionchannels are spaced away from the wound by a strip of foam materialinterposed between the outlets of the short distribution channels andthe skin of the patient.
 39. The method according to claim 31, whereinthe outer surface of the body overlying the recess is formed in theshape of a dome to increase its resistance to collapse into contact withthe wound by negative pressure in the chamber.
 40. The method accordingto claim 39, wherein at least the portion of the body overlying therecess is made of transparent material to permit visual observation ofthe interior of the chamber.
 41. The method according to claim 34,wherein the body is formed with an inlet opening in its upper surfacecommunicating with a central region of the chamber, and includes aninlet conduit extending through the inlet opening into the chamber forinletting a treating liquid to treat deep wounds.
 42. The methodaccording to claim 31, wherein the body is of an elastomeric material.43. The method according to claim 31, wherein the body is a thinflexible body formed with an enlarged area at its center regions foraccommodating the chamber, and with a relatively small area at each ofits opposite ends for accommodating the inlet and outlet channels. 44.The method according to claim 31, wherein the body includes an adhesiveassembly further formed for adhering the body to the skin region aroundthe wound and for sealing the chamber.
 45. The method according to claim44, wherein the adhesive assembly is formed with: a plastic filmcarrier; an upper adhesive layer on the upper surface of the plasticfilm carrier for application to the lower surface of the body; and alower adhesive layer on the lower surface of the plastic film carrierfor application to the skin region around the wound.
 46. The methodaccording to claim 31, wherein the body is a thin flexible body s formedby bonding together: an upper layer having an upper surface and a lowersurface; and a lower layer having an upper surface facing, and incontact with, the lower surface of the upper layer, and a lower surfaceformed with an opening defining the recess and the chamber; the inletand outlet channels being formed in the facing surfaces of the twolayers bonded together.
 47. The method according to claim 46, whereinthe upper and lower layers are formed of an elastomeric material. 48.The method according to claim 31, wherein the body is formed by moldingan elastomeric material having a removable insert therein to form therecess in the lower surface of the body defining the chamber, and theinlet and outlet channels.
 49. A method of treating a wound, comprising:providing a streaming device according to claim 1; attaching thestreaming device to the skin region around a wound to be treated todefine the chamber over the wound; connecting the inlet of the streamingdevice to a source of treating liquid at an elevation above the wound toinitially produce a positive pressure in the treating liquid for fillingthe chamber; and connecting the outlet of the streaming device to acollection receptacle at an elevation below the wound to produce, when arestricted liquid flow is produced in the chamber, a negative pressurein the chamber.
 50. The device according to claim 49, wherein the rateof flow of the treating liquid is restricted to 1-10 ml/minute.